Sewing

Willow Tank in Chambray

Willow Tank in Chambray - Noodlehead

Willow Tank in Chambray - NoodleheadIt’s finally feeling like summer here the past few days, we may have even acquired our first sunburns to go along with it unfortunately. I’m excited to see what unfolds for us this summer. It’s been such a privilege to be able to be at home with my kids and I really want to soak up every minute this summer. Time seems to be quadrupling in speed lately! So whenever I feel stressed out I usually go on a cleaning and clutter busting spree. My closet is where I usually go a little crazy. So this summer I definitely need some wardrobe staples including tanks like the Willow Tank and probably as many shorts as I can muster. I really don’t like wearing shorts, but sometimes you’ve gotta bite the bullet.Willow Tank in Chambray - Noodlehead

So this is my first Willow Tank (pattern by Grainline Studio) and it was a super satisfying sew. It maybe took 2-3 hours total from printing and taping together to cutting and sewing. I tried not to rush it too much. It’s easy for me to see the finish line after sewing just a couple of seams and then push through only to be disappointed that I didn’t slow down and take my time. So I was pretty successful on that front. Willow Tank in Chambray - Noodlehead

I picked this chambray that I’ve had for a bit, it was actually one of the only garment fabrics I had that had been washed and ready to go. It’s super soft and I’m glad it’s got some give because I’ve got some tweaking to do for the tank for the next time I make it. I have fairly broad shoulders so the upper arm area and back is pretty snug. If anyone can point me to some info on those kinds of adjustments I’d love to try it out. It’s one fit issue that I have with RTW clothing, too. I have a hard time finding woven shirts that are comfortable across the back and shoulder area.

Anyway, I’m excited that this is a tank I think will get worn quite a bit. I can see myself layering it under a cardigan for the fall and winter, too! Willow Tank in Chambray - Noodlehead


Pattern: Willow Tank by Grainline Studio
Fabric: Dot Chambray in Indigo by Robert Kaufman Fabrics


Willow Tank in Chambray - Noodlehead

16 thoughts on “Willow Tank in Chambray

  1. Jeni says:

    Super cute! That fabric gets even softer as you wash it!

  2. Megan says:

    I also have a broad shoulder and find this adjustment works well. http://www.kestrelmakes.com/2014/02/how-to-make-broad-upper-back-adjustment.html?m=1
    Glad to know that the pattern needs a back adjustment. It’s up soon in my sewing queue.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Oh good to know! thanks!

  3. Karla says:

    I run into that same fit problem (in patterns and RTW), and when I sew I generally cut a bigger-than-recommended size through the shoulders/bust and do an SBA to get the right fit through the shoulders. I’ve also used this (http://www.afashionablestitch.com/2010/03/how-to-fit-my-body.html), and while it works in the comfort department it tends to result in some weird fabric bunching in the armpit (for me, anyway).

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thanks for the info Karla! I’ll check that out!

  4. Brenda says:

    I’m about 20 years older than you are, and I’m going to grind at you just a little bit about the sunburn. I am fair-skinned, like you are, and I had to have skin cancer surgery on my face last year. The procedure itself was horrible to go through, and it left me with an ugly, uncomfortable scar that runs under my nose and along the laugh line on the left side of my face. (I had almost 50 stitches in the incision.) I never wanted to bother with sunscreen or a hat when I was young, and now I get to pay for that. I always though it would happen to other people, not me.

    Your top is lovely—I made my first divided basket with some sheep fabric and Essex linen, and it was the talk of the sewing retreat I was at. I found some super-cute fabric with bras on it, (no, really—it is cute!) and I want to make a DB for my mom for Christmas. The DB I made for myself lives on my end table beside the spot where I knit and holds my sock knitting stuff and the remote controls.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thanks Brenda, I appreciate your concern for sure. 🙂

  5. Nadeen says:

    I’m no willow. I have broad shoulders and muscular arms and always pick sizes based on my upper bust, which is two inches bigger than my full bust. Other adjustments depend on the pattern maker. Vogue patterns fit me out of the envelope, but Grainline patterns require bust, sleeve and armscye adjustments for a good fit. The Fit for Real People books are very helpful.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thanks for the tips Nadeen! I definitely need to check out that book. 🙂

  6. Karen S says:

    Love your Willow in chambray! I just made my first one in Kaufman Radiance–with the silky side out it’s really dressy and the cotton side makes sewing a breeze. I always stuggle with the darts ending up in the right place. Your top looks great!

    1. Anna Graham says:

      That sounds so dreamy Karen! I have had a piece of Radiance hoarded away just waiting for something special. I bet it’s lovely!

  7. Nina says:

    I know Morgan of crabandbee.com has done a lot of work on fitting her own broad shoulders so there might be some good tips on her blog. I wonder if the darts could stand to be a teeny bit shorter too?? Your top looks great, though! I bought the Tiny Pocket pattern just before they retired it, and as I still haven’t made it I kind of wish I’d waited for the Willow tank instead – it looks much more up-to-date somehow.

    1. Anna Graham says:

      Thanks so much Nina! I’ve been checking out Morgan’s blog (again) now. Finding lots of good info. And yes, you’re probably right, I could stand to shorten them a bit! I have the Tiny Pocket Tank, too, but agree that the Willow is my favorite of the two. 🙂

  8. Joan says:

    I make the back one size bigger (easing in the shoulders) and then do a swing back mod – Grainline has a hack on their website (it’s intended for the Scout tee, but the idea is the same).

  9. You look beautiful and happy Anna!

  10. erin says:

    Cute tank! I have some of that fabric in my stash. You are giving me ideas!

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